Networks

Networks

1. advantages of networks

   • hardware can be shared
     • all computers on the network can share a printer; reduces cost of buying more hardware
   • software can be shared
     • software can be installed on one computer and used by all on the network
   • data can be shared
     • database can be stored on one computer hut accessed by all computers on the network
   • networked computers can communicate
     • speedily
   • the usage of the computers can be controlled by a network manager
     • can allocate permissions to the users to restrict their actions and limit the amount of storage they have

2. disadvantages of networks

   • the cost of set up due to cabling is expensive
   • a virus can spread throughout a network very quickly
     • infecting each computer
   • hackers may gain unauthorised access to files within the network
   • if a network fails to work properly this can cause havoc for people in work who rely on the network

3. types of network

   • peer-to-peer
     • all computers are of an equal importance
       • e.g. ring network
   • client-server
     • has one computer acting as a file server
   • file server
     • a computer on the network that holds files that can be used by other computers on the same network

4. bus network topology

   • advantages
     • cheap network to set up
     • if a computer fails the network continues to work
   • disagvantages
     • speed of data is slow
     • if the network cable breaks then none of the computers can access the network

5. ring network topology

   • advantage
     • cheapest network to set up
     • data speed is fast and continuous (no data collision because data can only flow in one way around the network)
   • disadvantages
     • if any computers or the network cables break, it can affect the whole network

6. star network topology

   • advantages
     • if a cable/computer breaks, all the other computers will still be able to access the file server
     • discreet access to the file server means that access is fast
   • disadvantages
     • expensive to install because lots of cable is required
     • if the file server fails then all of the computers will be affected